Flock Safety license plate recognition cameras are becoming more common throughout the Tampa Bay area, appearing in residential communities, apartment complexes, shopping centers, and along local roadways.
The cameras are designed to capture vehicle-related information such as license plates, timestamps, and direction of travel. They Say They do not use facial recognition and are focused on documenting vehicle movement rather than monitoring individuals.
As Tampa Bay continues to grow, many communities are looking for ways to better understand vehicle activity related to thefts, vandalism, and other property crimes. Flock systems allow authorized users to review vehicle data tied to specific timeframes, which can help clarify what occurred during an incident.
Local law enforcement agencies in the region are familiar with Flock systems and may use the information during investigations when it is legally shared. The technology is often installed at entry and exit points where vehicle traffic naturally passes through.
While not intended to prevent crime on its own, the cameras provide an additional reference tool for communities and businesses looking to document vehicle activity when incidents occur.